Overview & Reviews

Since its launch for the 2003 model year, the Honda Pilot has helped shape the market for crossover SUVs with three rows of seating. Offering V6 power, respectable fuel economy, a comfortable ride, plenty of interior space and seven-to-eight-passenger seating, the Pilot is exactly the kind of vehicle that appeals to growing families who are leery of traditional minivans. Other crossover SUVs might be sportier to drive or more stylish on the inside, but Honda's three-row crossover appeals to your practical side and packs in a lot of functionality.

Choosing a Pilot is straightforward, as Honda packages equipment in a few basic trim levels rather than offering countless options. Regardless of the year, all Honda Pilots give you three useful rows of seating and lots of storage slots, though early models are smaller and aren't quite as accommodating for teenagers in the third row. Cargo capacity has also increased over the years.

User Reviews:

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  Love my Ploit - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Robin jauch johnson - September 26 - 10:00 am

  All i can say its the best i have lots of vechiles and this is my favored

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gerald - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Quite running. It is well constructed. driven for several long trips and very comfortable for 900 mile trip in a day. Handles like a car.

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  2003 PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wxcv98b - September 26 - 10:00 am

  VERY PLEASE.....A FUN CAR TO DRIVE...YOU CAN FEEL THE QUALITY.... WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE....ROAD NOISE A LITTLE TOO PRONOUNCED. THE FIT AND FINISH IS EXCEPTIONAL. HAVE A 2004 TOYATA SIENNA.....BOTH MY WIFE AND I LIKE THE PILOT BETTER FOR RUNNING ERRANDS

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  Rated high in consumer reports - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - Pilot Owner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought in Oct 2002 (after my camry was totaled), one of the first PILOTs bought. Incredible solid comfortable ride, great steering wheel controls to keep eyes on rode, kids love DVD system (great crisp bright video), flexible 3rd folding seats. PROBLEMS: Finish of carpeting and ceiling fabric poorly installed (not tucked in everywhere), Sliding Cargo cover that hides things in the hatch area installs OK but seatbelts interfere with ability to use it (you can use it but cover is crimped at the sides due to seat belts - a clear design flaw - saleman just shrugged). Overall: Highly recommended.

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  Very pleased 16 Pilot owner - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Daniel Chen - September 22 - 3:27 am

  After putting over 1300 miles mostly from a road trip, I am very pleased with our decision to go with the 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. The push button shifter took a while to get used to, but I think I have a hang of it. Things I like so far: -Lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control were really amazing on the highway. Cant ever imagine driving without these features on long stretches of highway. -Snappy infotainment system. Was easily able to access my iPhone music & folders. -Very comfortable front and second row seats. -Easy access to third row seats. -Pretty decent gas mileage for a vehicle its size. Idle stop works well, pretty amazed at how smooth it is. -9 speed transmission is very smooth. I have heard of plenty complaints from reviews, but I have had no issues. -Driver seat setting memory. -Low road noise, well, at least compared to the CR-V and Civic that we had. -HDMI port means that I can play videos from my iPhone to the rear entertainment system (it has been a while since I last purchased a physical movie disc). Things I do not like: -No blind spot monitoring, which is only available on the Elite model. Pretty ridiculous, considering how prevalent it is in some of the more basic trims of other automakers. -Infotainment system crashed a couple of times, though it was quickly able to reboot almost instantaneously. -Unable to input navigation unless vehicle comes to a stop. I understand there is the safety concern, but there are times it is the front passenger not the driver that is accessing the navigation. -Voice command for navigation is terrible. Will probably never use it again. -Touch control interface works well except for volume, which can be a pain to quickly adjust. -Remote control from rear entertainment system seems very outdated. While there is an HDMI port in the vehicle, there is no HDMI option listed on the remote. -Cargo space behind 3rd row is small.

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  04 Pilot worth waiting for - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By redrider03 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Features added to the 04 Pilot were well worth the wait. Adjustable second row seat, really like the heated seats and heated mirrors are a plus. Looked at Highlander & Explorer. Highlander too small inside, fuel economy looked better but required premium fuel. Explorer was not up to fit & finish or the handling & was noisy to drive. Pilot, an EX-L with DVD, was less than Highlander or Explorer even with dealer discounts. Reviews had us concerned about fuel economy. Initial results are good: combined driving 19.8 mpg; 3rd tank ski trip, 5 passengers, skis & boards on roof with 200 miles of snow, 22.9 mpg (reg fuel).Kids & us love the DVD.

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  Paid $34,097 out the door on 12/22/03 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By FlyAG4 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Settled on this vehicle beause of interior volume and the fact that we did not truly need the off road capability of the 4runner.Toyotas with Navigation were priced quite a bit higher. Honda is a quality product: good fit and finish, nice dash layout and solid feel on dry pavement and on snow. We took it to Inlcine Village during the storm on 12/27. 12in. on streets.Solid handling with 3 & average baggage.Predictable & fun in the loose stuff. 4 wheel drive kicks in flawlessly and without fanfare. Perfect for the 460 mile round trip from Bay area.

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  So far so good - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Trzcinski - September 18 - 8:31 pm

  Traded in 2015 MDX, better value and utility, though drives more like a truck then a sporty MDX. Good for kids and dogs and teenage drivers. Best midsize SUV all around.

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  BACK KILLER-Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Love TOYOTA Highland - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I felt the Honda Pilot had the best off everything.However,after 800 miles on the Pilot-I developed a severe back problem{pain}.I went to Honda-could not do anything to fix the problem with my back{seat}.Then went to the doctors- took medicine still back pain -I stopped driving the Pilot for 15 days and drove on friday-the pain came back right away.I had to give the Pilot to my wife.I am now driving my TOYOTA HIGHLANDER.Very disappointed-I will not get to drive my dream PILOT.Sad,sad day- I really wanted this Honda Pilot-Now I am stuck with this PILOT BACK KILLER. I will be going back to TOYOTA for my future purchases.

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  Another Honda... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dalmatian Wagon - September 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought a Accord EX sedan in January. We were struggling between the Pilot and the Accord and bought the later at invoice. We were so pleased with the Accord that we went back and traded in the Volvo wagon for the Pilot. Paid invoice again (yes, it can be done). The ride is very smooth, with a healthy amount of power (240HP) and a excellent overall driving experience.